From hand-hewn wood mantels to sliding barn doors to reclaimed wood art, the rustic look is gaining momentum in mainstream interior design.
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. And it can be a perfect place to create a rustic aesthetic. Adding key pieces such as a farmhouse sink or floating reclaimed wood shelves will give your kitchen old-world charm, creating a space that is peaceful and functional at the same time.
So let’s look at 10 ways to give your kitchen a barn wood look that will impress and delight.
To kick the rustic look into full gear, begin with your kitchen cabinets. Barn wood is a perfect choice as it is sturdy and versatile. You can go with an unfinished look, a nice stain, or a timeless shade of white. If you seek a more weathered look, consider distressing the cabinets with wax and sandpaper or steel wool after they are painted.
Capture the rustic look by using reclaimed barn wood to frame your windows. Match your cabinets by leaving the wood untouched or adding a treatment. And instead of adorning windows with curtains, leave them “naked” and allow the appeal of the woodwork around your windows to grab attention. If you must hang curtains, choose plain linen fabric or add some color with a minimal flowered pattern so your rustic look won’t be overshadowed.
Wall-mounted shelves made of reclaimed barn wood will extend your rustic look. You can go with floating shelves or mount them using brackets. Ideal locations would be above the sink, next to your stove or refrigerator or near your corner sitting area. With shelving, there are no specific rules when it comes to choosing the right color. You can opt for a stain that you find most appealing or go with a natural look. They do not have to match with other elements exactly, but may stand out as their own unique display.
Get the rustic feel right with an iconic and ever-so-popular farmhouse sink. This creative touch makes utility a work of art. Simply change out your current sink with a single or double-sink farmhouse option that fits your space. White is the traditional choice, but you can apply a rustproof, high-gloss paint that fits your kitchen color scheme.
There is something rich and timeless about gold or bronze elements. They seem to add a warm element to any space. If you’re looking for a quick and low-cost rustic update to your kitchen, updating your cabinet hardware is the answer. Choose brushed bronze or gold hardware and select options that look weathered or worn to accentuate the rustic aesthetic.
If you’re willing to spend a little extra, a rustic wood island top can be a game-changer. Replace your current island top with one made from reclaimed wood to age your kitchen to rustic perfection. If you go this route, we highly recommend working with a professional who can cut and curate a piece that fits your island perfectly. Make sure to become familiar with the special care required for reclaimed wood to keep your island surface protected. This eye-catching piece will transform your space into a rustic oasis on its own.
Decorative elements can instantly transform a room from one look to another. If you want to create a rustic feel, consider choosing reclaimed wood décor elements to outfit your space. From artwork to doorway corbels, small design elements can pack a big punch in your kitchen. Choose options with clean lines and defined shapes to achieve the goal of a rustic look.
Looking for more subtle ways to add a rustic flair? Don’t forget kitchen elements such as dishware, table décor and settings – even seasonal elements you can add throughout the year. A muted, earthy color palette with white, gray, beige or cream is a popular choice in the kitchen. If you need a pop of color, you can opt for deep greens, vibrant blues, or warm yellows.
Plants and herbs placed within the earthy tones on your walls, backsplash, counters, and cabinets are a perfect way to add dimension and an organic, farmhouse feel to a kitchen. Add them to key focal points throughout your kitchen, such as the center of the dining table or island, or hang them from macrame holders throughout your kitchen. Use distressed vases and wicker baskets to tie into your overall rustic theme. Or consider growing your most used herbs in a basket or vintage glass container on your shelves or kitchen counter which is both useful and decorative.
Using rustic materials like reclaimed wood for your kitchen backsplash or to cover your stove hood is another nice way to tie into your rustic theme. Adding a rustic look to these elements will take some effort but the result will only add to your historic look. If you choose to go with tile for your backsplash, go with a timeless white option or earthy tones that have a vintage look. Avoid tile designs that are overwhelmed with different colors or artwork, unless they support the rustic look.
Creating a rustic vibe in your kitchen is a fun, exciting project that will return years of pleasant enjoyment. You can start by swapping out existing features then add other elements as you see fit. And who knows, perhaps you will love it so much that the rustic aesthetic spills over into the rest of your home!
